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The Hobbit Total Coverage: Will Orlando Bloom Return to Middle-earth?

We've been obsessing over The Hobbit, directed by Peter Jackson, and starring Martin Freeman and The Lord of the Rings originals Ian McKellen and Cate Blanchett.
/ Source: E!online

We've been obsessing over The Hobbit, directed by Peter Jackson, and starring Martin Freeman and The Lord of the Rings originals Ian McKellen and Cate Blanchett.

Part one is due out in 2012, and part two will follow in 2013. So here's all the lasting casting news and scoop:

Orlnado Bloom in talks to return to Middle-earth (Dec. 8, 2010): E! News confims that the Elven star of the The Lord of the Rings trilogy is in talks to appear in Jackson's Hobbit adaptation. As Legolas didn't feature in the original book, speculation starts to swirl as to what the filmmakers have in store for the Aussie actor. Lost-like flashforwards perhaps?

He won't be alone...

Cate Blanchett joins cast (Dec. 7, 2010): The filmmakers announce that the Academy Award-winning actress will reprise her role as Galadriel, the grandest elf of all in The Hobbit.

In a statement, director Jackson says: "Cate is one of my favorite actors to work with, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier film."

The Hobbit finds its Bilbo Baggins (Oct. 22, 2010): It's officially confirmed that British actor Martin Freeman (of the original Office) will be playing the titular Shire hero, Bilbo Baggins, in Jackson's two-part Lord of the Rings prequel.

In a statement Jackson says, "Despite the various rumors and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us."

Production to begin in early 2011...in New Zealand (October 2010)! New Zealand's film community decides Middle-earth belongs in the Southern Hemisphere. After months of conflict between the filmmakers and the country's film unions over the former's intention to use nonunion employees in the production, Prime Minister John Key announced that a resolution had been reached and that The Hobbit would be filmed in New Zealand. Shortly after the announcement, the filmmakers reveal principal photography would begin in February 2011.

Peter Jackson comes aboard as director (June 2010): With the departure of original director Guillermo del Toro following multiple setbacks in production, the man who's dedicate a substantial amount of time to bringing J.R.R. Tolkien's work to the big screen steps up as The Hobbit's helmer. Though del Toro was a solid choice given his Pan's Labyrinth pedigree, Hobbit lovers everywhere breathe easy knowing the franchise is in good hands.

Guillermo del Toro drops out as director (May 31, 2010): As financial problems with studio MGM and conflicts with New Zealand film unions reach a fever pitch, the man who'd been tapped to lead the journey back to Middle-earth decides he's had enough. In a letter to fans, del Toro says: "In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming The Hobbit, I am faced with the hardest decision of my life. After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien's Middle-earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures."

No Gimli for The Hobbit (October 2009): With casting speculation running rampant, one of the original Lord of the Rings players announces he will not be appearing in the prequel. John Rhys-Davies who gruffly worked his way into the world's heart as the dwarf Gimli announces he won't be returning. In a statement, he revealed: "I have already completely ruled it out. There's a sentimental part of me that would love to be involved again. [But] really I am not sure my face can take that sort of punishment any more."

Gandalf is back (August 2009)! Could anyone else ever really embody the wisdom and gravitas Sir Ian McKellan brought to the role of the wise patriarch? Doubtful. In a glee-inducing announcement at a London Lord of the Rings marathon, McKellan confirmed to the crowd that was in fact onboard to reprise his role as the heroic wizard.

Daniel Radcliffe shuts down Bilbo talk (August 2009): When the original flurry of casting speculation began, the lead contenders for the role of Bilbo Baggins include James McAvoy, David Tennant and Harry Potter star Radcliffe. But just as quickly as the rumors start, Radcliffe takes himself out of the running, telling the Los Angeles Times, "I'd have to say, 'Thanks but no thanks,' not that anyone has asked me...Honestly, I don't think they would want me anyway, it's just too close. Whatever I do next, I don't think there will be any wizards in it!"

The Hobbit will be two films (April 2009): In an interview with Empire, Peter Jackson confirms that The Hobbit is just too much to do well in one film. Good news for those of us hoping for as much time as possible on Middle-earth. Jackson is quoted as saying, "We decided it would be a mistake to try to cram everything into one movie...The essential brief was to do The Hobbit, and it allows us to make The Hobbit in a little more style, if you like, of the [LOTR] trilogy."

The Hobbit is coming to the big screen (December 2007): Peter Jackson and studio reps from MGM and New Line Cinema release a statement announcing their new partnership to bring J.R.R. Tolkien's novel to the big screen. In a statement, Jackson says, ""I'm very pleased that we've been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. The Lord of the Rings is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle-earth."

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